Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some of the most common questions we receive at A&J Plant Services.

1. Do I need an account to hire from you?

No, we are happy to hire to everyone. For first-time customers, we require two forms of ID:

• One must be a photo card driving license or passport
• The other must be a recent utility bill

If you do not have a credit account with us, we also require:
Hire fee upfront
Deposit for high-value items (if applicable)

2. If I hire something for one day, does it need to be returned on the same day?

No, our 1-day hires are for a 24-hour period, and our 1-week hires are for a 7-day period.

3. Do I need a license or professional qualification to hire a mini digger?

We do not require formal qualifications to hire equipment.

• If you’re unsure about operating a machine, we’re happy to provide basic training upon delivery.
• It is the hirer’s responsibility to determine if their situation requires formal training or certification.

4. Do you provide insurance against theft or damage during hire?

We offer an optional insurance waiver for a flat rate of £20 per hire, covering accidental damage and theft up to a set limit, with a small excess contribution required.

For trade customers – We still recommend having hired-in plant insurance for full coverage.
For non-trade customers – Check your home insurance policy to confirm if it includes hired equipment.

If equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged without the waiver, the hirer will be responsible for covering the full cost of repair or replacement.

5. When I off-hire equipment, who is responsible for it before collection?

The customer remains responsible for the safe keeping of equipment for 24 hours after off-hire time/date.

Please ensure equipment is left in a safe and secure condition ready for collection.

6. Do you charge for cleaning of equipment?

In some cases, yes.

• If equipment is returned excessively dirty, a cleaning fee may be charged.
• We understand that onsite conditions can be muddy and wet, so we simply ask customers to return equipment in a reasonably clean condition.

7. Do I need to refuel machines before returning them?

Diesel Machines: Machines will arrive with a full tank of white diesel as per updated regulations.

• If you cannot refill the machine before returning it, we will charge for the fuel used at our current rate of £2+VAT per litre.

Petrol Machines: Machines will arrive with fuel.

• Customers are not required to refill them, and no charge will be applied if returned empty.

8. Is delivery and collection available?

Yes, we provide a delivery and collection service:

Free Delivery within 10 miles of our location (EX14 3LP)
£20 Charge for deliveries each way (postcode required to confirm)

If you have questions about delivery, collection, or mileage charges, please get in touch!

9. What happens if I use the wrong fuel mix in a two-stroke machine?

Using the incorrect fuel mix can cause significant damage to two-stroke machines.

It is the hirer’s responsibility to follow proper fueling guidelines, which are provided with the machine.

Any damage caused by improper fuel will result in repair charges.

10. Do you sell spare parts or tools?

Yes! We supply a range of:

• Machine parts
• Tools
• Small plant equipment

Check out our sales section for the latest tools and machinery available (Coming Soon)

11. Can I request a machine operator with my hire?

Yes, operated plant hire is available upon request.

Please contact us for pricing and availability.